Lafayette attorney named AG Criminal Division chief

Attorney General Jeff Landry today announced that Pat Magee will lead the Criminal Division of the Louisiana Department of Justice (LADOJ).

Magee, a former prosecutor from Lafayette, will replace Brandon Fremin who recently was sworn in as the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana.

“Pat Magee has vast experience ensuring the law is faithfully executed – protecting our civil liberties while keeping our communities safe,” Landry said. “I trust Pat will use this knowledge and his passion to serve Louisiana in a manner that honors our office’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, defending the Constitution, and protecting our State’s people.”

Magee served over a decade in the 15th Judicial District Attorney's Office – first as a student worker, then as a contract attorney, and last as an Assistant District Attorney. His service there included work on the creation and implementation of the Zoned Area Intervention Program, which was aimed at lowering the crime and recidivism rates of high poverty areas through intensive monitoring and programming for individuals facing criminal consequences. Magee also was the prosecutor of the Drug Court Program – a program that has achieved tremendous success statewide when properly funded – and he tried numerous felony drug crimes, murders, rapes, armed robberies, and other felonies in the 15th JDC. After leaving the DA's office, he entered private practice where he has defended the civil liberties of alleged criminals and represented numerous government agencies.

Magee is a veteran of the Louisiana Army National Guard, where he served in Military Intelligence. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana and his law degree from the Southern University Law Center.

A member of the Southern University Board of Supervisors, Magee is expected to begin his service at the LADOJ next week.